Chapter 11: The Chilton Family Dinner

The following evening arrived sooner than Stella expected. Standing before the mirror, she adjusted the cream-colored dress her mother had personally chosen for her. It wasn't flashy or overly expensive, but it carried an elegant simplicity that suited her perfectly. Mrs. Judd smiled proudly as she pinned a pearl brooch onto Stella's dress. 'Remember,' she said gently, 'you're not entering the Chilton family because you're seeking approval. You're entering because Eric chose you.' Stella nodded confidently. In her previous life, she would have been nervous about impressing Noel's family. This time, she simply wanted to remain true to herself.

Right at six o'clock, Eric's black Rolls-Royce stopped outside the Judd residence. As always, Eric personally stepped out to open the car door for Stella. 'Ready?' he asked. Stella smiled faintly. 'As ready as I'll ever be.' During the drive, neither of them spoke much. Soft classical music filled the silence, creating an unexpectedly peaceful atmosphere. Before long, the massive gates of the Chilton Estate came into view.

The estate was magnificent. A long stone driveway stretched through beautifully landscaped gardens before ending in front of a grand mansion that looked more like a palace than a home. Luxury vehicles were already parked outside, proving that nearly every member of the Chilton family had arrived.

As Eric and Stella entered together, dozens of eyes immediately turned toward them. Some smiled politely while others openly examined Stella from head to toe. She could feel their curiosity, but she refused to let it shake her confidence.

An elderly man sitting at the head of the living room slowly stood up. His sharp eyes carried years of wisdom and authority. Eric respectfully greeted him. 'Grandfather.' Stella immediately followed with a polite bow. 'Good evening, Grandpa Chilton.'

The old man studied her quietly for several seconds before smiling.

'So you're Stella Judd.'

'I've heard quite a lot about you these past few days.'

Stella answered honestly, 'I hope none of it was too troublesome.'

To everyone's surprise, the old man laughed heartily.

'A girl who can still joke under pressure.'

'Not bad.'

His reaction visibly relaxed the atmosphere.

However, not everyone looked pleased.

A beautifully dressed woman sitting near the window folded her arms.

'Father,' she interrupted politely, 'there's no need to judge someone after only exchanging a few sentences.'

'Marriage into the Chilton family requires much more than good manners.'

Eric's expression immediately cooled.

'Aunt Vivian,' he said calmly, 'if you have concerns, you can speak directly.'

Vivian Chilton smiled.

'Very well.'

'Miss Judd, many people believe your sudden decision to marry Eric instead of Noel is rather... suspicious.'

'Would you mind explaining why?'

The entire room became silent.

Everyone waited for Stella's answer.

Instead of panicking, Stella smiled politely.

'Because I realized I had mistaken admiration for love.'

'Growing up together made me believe Noel was the person I wanted.'

'But after thinking carefully, I understood that the person I truly respected was Mr. Eric Chilton.'

'He's responsible, trustworthy, and treats others with sincerity.'

'That's the kind of partner I want.'

Her honest answer left several relatives speechless.

Even Vivian struggled to find another question.

Grandpa Chilton nodded with satisfaction.

'Excellent answer.'

'Marriage built on respect lasts much longer than marriage built on infatuation.'

Eric looked at Stella quietly.

Although he knew part of her explanation wasn't the whole truth, hearing her openly praise his character stirred something unfamiliar inside him.

Dinner soon began.

The atmosphere gradually became more relaxed as conversations shifted toward business, charity projects, and family matters.

Eric naturally placed Stella beside him throughout the meal, occasionally serving food onto her plate whenever he noticed she was too busy answering questions.

Several older relatives exchanged knowing smiles.

The usually distant Eric was clearly treating Stella differently.

Halfway through dinner, Noel finally arrived.

He had been delayed by a company meeting and entered just as dessert was being served.

The moment he saw Stella sitting beside Eric, laughing softly with Grandpa Chilton, he froze.

That seat...

Had always belonged to Eric's future wife.

Seeing Stella there somehow made everything feel real.

She truly wasn't chasing him anymore.

Grandpa Chilton looked toward Noel.

'You're late.'

'Sorry, Grandpa,' Noel replied.

'Work delayed me.'

As Noel sat down, his eyes unintentionally met Stella's.

She acknowledged him with nothing more than a polite nod before continuing her conversation with Eric.

It was a small gesture.

Yet it hurt Noel far more than anger ever could.

After dinner, Grandpa Chilton announced one final piece of news.

'Since Eric and Stella's wedding will be held in two weeks,' he declared, 'I want the engagement banquet this weekend to officially introduce Stella as a member of our family.'

'Anyone who disrespects her...'

The old man's voice became noticeably firmer.

'...is disrespecting the entire Chilton family.'

The room fell completely silent.

Every relative understood exactly what those words meant.

Grandpa Chilton had personally accepted Stella.

No one would dare challenge her openly anymore.

But hidden among the guests, one woman quietly tightened her grip around her wine glass.

Vivian lowered her eyes, concealing the cold smile forming on her lips.

'Accepted by the family already?' she thought.

'We'll see how long that lasts.'